Is there any real way to convince friends and family that domestic-built cars are good enough? People ask me all the time about which import brand such as Toyota, Honda, or BMW, is the best for their next purchase. When I suggest they look at Ford or GM, I get the oddest looks like I'm suggesting suicide or something. Help!

My check engine light has been on for quite a while, I went to the honda dealership and they said that I needed to replace my catalytic convertor as well as my timing belt, I went to a trusted mechanic and he replaced my timing belt and tole me that I should hold off on the catalytic convertor becuase it does not afffect drivability and since I have a low ...

I recently bought a 2006 Honda new from a dealership.The manual says there is a five year guarantee against rust. Does that mean I need not wax the car for winter driving in an area that salts the streets in the winter? Also what about winterizing the car. Will it need anti-freeze.

Hi AskPatty,
I just read your article in the NYT and was interested in this web site, since, as a female, sometimes I feel helpless going to mechanics (who are mostly men) for help doing things that I could have done myself if I knew how. Thank you!!
Question:
I have a 2003 Honda Pilot at ~58,000 miles. It uses a lot of gas. I was wondering if you ...

My husband and I are currently looking for a new (used) minivan. We now own a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan which has been nothing but trouble from the time it was just over a year old (including a bearing disintigrating in the engine when I was driving on the freeway with my 3 kids). We just want something safe that is easy to maintain with good gas mileage. I ...

I have a 2003 Honda Odyssey EX with 40,000 miles. I am trying to determine the value of it by either selling it on my own or trading it in to a dealer. The car is in excellent running condition. However, the outside does have some surface scratches. I took it to a Honda dealer for a quote. He valued my trade in at $8500 because car fax showed an ...

I own a 2003 Honda Odyssey 5 dr EX with 42,000 miles. I would like to trade it in for a new car. I want to know how much it is worth as a trade in before I go to a dealer. I had a minor accident but had it completely repaired. It is in very good condition except for some minor scratches on the outside. I was given one quote of 8500 by a dealer and was ...

Hello, My elderly parents have a 2001 Honda Odyssey van with 105,000 miles. The dealer suggests replacing the drive belt (serpentine?) at this mileage (he has not even seen the car yet) and will charge $700.00 for this checkup. I feel this is too much and would like to know what a reasonable charge would be. The car has always been taken to a dealer and is ...

Hi Patty, my 02 Honda Odyssey dashboard sometimes buzzes loudly when I turn on the car. The DRL light comes on too. The buzzing stops either when I turn on the headlights or when I turn off the car (restarting the car usually gets rid of the buzzing and I drive away, ignoring the problem *til the next time). Our dealer couldn*t replicate the problem and ...

I am considering buying a new minivan. I am choosing between the honda odyssey and the toyota sienna. I am concerned about safe driving in the winter. In comparing the honda odyssey with traction control versus the toyota sienna with all wheel drive is there a significant difference in performance and safety between the two? Thank you

I have a used car-buying Q for you: We have about $14K in hand. If we are looking at two otherwise identical cars, but Car A has 50K miles and costs $12.9K, and Car B has 80K miles and costs $10K, what do you think? Are the 30,000 fewer miles worth $2,900?
Of course we will try to bargain, and maybe we can get A for 12, but the same can be said for ...

The dealer installed a new axle seal because I had transmission fluid leaking on floor.I noticed a few days later it was still leaking a little so after taking back to dealer,they said I need a new transmission. The van drives fine and there are no noises.Do I really need a 3K transmission?

Hello Patty, I have 3 children, its very difficult for me to see my self in a minivan but i think it may be time. what do think about honda odyssey 2012, nissan quest LE 2012, toyota sienna SE and infinit JX 2013. Im not sure which vehicle to purchase? I need to be realistic i do not think the infinit will be big enough especially in terms of truck space. ...

Twice a year I swap my winter tires on to my vehicle in December and March. Each time I do this I am charged to program the TPMS sensor. I originally purchased the winter tires with their own rims and TPMS sensor. Is it necessary to reprogram and pay for the swapping fee as well as the program of the sensor each time.(that is, 2x/year)?

Brought my van in for an oil change just before a 2,000 trip. Mechanic says both front axles are leaking grease and need to be replaced, $400 to do the work. A) is this a fair price and B) any way I can put it off til after my trip???

Hello, my one and only vehicle that is depended upon daily in my family (a 1998 Honda Odyssey) has been making terrible noises from the exhaust system. Took it into local muffler shop and have been given the news that the entire exhaust system needs to be replaced to the tune of $750. They said they could fix 2 parts first ($400) & the final part ...

Hi. I need some purchasing (or leasing) advice:
I have a family of 6. We are looking to replace our 11 year old Honda Odyssey. We live in NY, and recently moved to a woodsy area with bad roads. We feel we need 4 wheel or AWD for both ground clearance and to handle snowy hilly roads.
Also, we take long family trips a few times a year and would like ...

I really just want a copy of my repair work estimate for my Odyssey. This is the only email I can find for Ron Cullers.
Ron said my Van was unsafe to drive. It's been sitting in the garage. Could you please email me a copy of the estimate? Could you always include on the estimate that the vehicle is unsafe. My husband refused to get the repairs ...